Scaphoid Arterial supply: A Review

Abstract

Scaphoid, the boat-shaped carpal bone, is largely covered by articular cartilage. It has a much more complex arterial supply than previously reported, moreover, this arterial pattern has been hypothesized to lead to avascular necrosis after fracturesScaphoid blood supply has long been documented as scarce; it arises from the radial artery giving palmar and dorsal branches. There is high-grade evidence reporting two main arteries entering from the distal half of the scaphoid and middle to lower-grade evidence reporting several arteries scattered over the entire scaphoid and anastomosis of the radial artery with intercarpal arteries. Dorsal arteries are slightly larger in diameter and many more than volar ones. The scaphoid shape is associated with variations in arterial supply patterns. Scaphoid surgery preserving vascular supply is the gold standard. Scaphoid blood supply is not as poor as previously documented, as current evidence supports even proximal pole vascularization. We recommend surgery to preserve the blood supply and foster research in this area.